Three Reasons Chewbacca is the Most Influential Character in STAR WARS

Leia’s Rescue.

Without the feigned prisoner transfer from Cell Block 1138, Han and Luke likely don’t make their way into Detention Block AA-23 to rescue Leia in Episode IV. If there’s no Leia, there’s no delivering the Death Star plans to Yavin-4, and the Empire traipses its technological terror across the galaxy bringing star systems into submission.

Further, Leia eventually serves as the emotional trigger Luke needs to battle Vader in Return of the Jedi. The clash with Vader distracts the Emperor from the fact that he’s about to be blown to bits and thus prevents Palpatine from staging an escape.